[Devil Dog 84]

I noticed a hiss coming from my front exhaust on my '93 FXDL. I decided to go ahead and replace the gasket. Once I took off the exhaust, I noticed that the studs are stripped, at least they are not broken. Before I go and try to gorrilla the studs out and break them does anyone have some good advice to get the old ones out?

[sailordb]

Of course, you are going to "soak" them in WD-40 or perhaps something stronger and if that doesn't get them loose you are going to apply heat, correct?

But, are you going to use vise grips or get the right tool, a stud puller?

[Devil Dog 84]

Thanks for the input!! I have learned to use a correct tool if they make it -- the hard way $$$ !! Since the studs are stripped I am concerned that I wouldn't be able to pull them without resorting to good old vice grips. I will look to find a stud puller if it will work and some penetrating lube.

[CD]

Those studs were installed with a thread locking compound such as loctite. Make sure you heat the area around the stud (not the stud itself) plus use WD40. If all else fails BEFORE resorting to vice grips, take two nuts and lock them together and use Loctite Stud lock 073 on them. Let them set up and give it another shot.

A pen torch will work great to heat the area around the stud.

If that fails, I would consider yanking the head and taking it to a shop before damaging the stud hole.

[Devil Dog 84]

Thanks for the advice, will work on it tonight. Will let you know how it worked!

[SkyKing]

I know this is kind of a late post (Hope you got the studs out), but an excellent penetrating oil is 'Mouse Milk'. It's used widely in aviation circles for pulling studs on aircraft engines. Don't forget the heat though.

[fxdxsteve]

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